Upgrade Vinyl set up by tube phono preamp

[hector2018]

My apologies if the topic seems familiar to other FMs but I thought I will post my queries along with details of my current set up to get more clarity.

I am exploring a possibility of upgrading my vinyl set up with the addition of a either a Tube Phono Preamplifier or with a Tube Amplifier to get the actual "tube sound" experience.

My existing set up is as given below:

Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC) with Ortofon 2M Red cartridge
CD Player: Marantz CD6005
Integrated Amplifier: Marantz PM6004 Integrated Amplifier
Stereo Speakers: Mordaunt-Short Mezzo-2 Bookshelf Speakers

At present my system is connected as shown below:

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC) --> Phono input of Marantz PM6004 --> output of PM 6004 goes to Mordaunt Short Mezzo-2 bookshelf speakers

Type of Music I listen to: (in both vinyl, Audio CDs & MP3)

Indian Movie Music from 70’s, 80’s & 90’s
Classic rock music: Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Deep Purple, Eagles, Scorpions etc
Western classical music: Concerts by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven etc

I would like to explore the possibility of having a “Tube Phono Preamplifier” between my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC) T/T & my Marantz integrated amplifier. I have never owned tubes so I have no experience in this area but lots of questions:

Queries from my side:

1. Considering my existing set up, is it possible to have a Tube Phono Preamplifier installed between my T/T & the integrated amplifier?

2. If yes, then can I connect the Tube Phono Preamp to my Integrated Amplifier’s AUX line in port?

3. If no, then what can be an alternative arrangement so that I can enjoy tube amplification of my T/Ts output?

4. Talked to couple of experts & have instead received the following recommendation for setting up the upgraded system?

Option 1: T/T --> SS Phono Preamp --> Tube Integrated Amplifier --> Speakers

Option 2: T/T --> Tube Phono Preamp --> SS Power Amplifier --> Speakers

In my specific case, which option is advisable?

I have gone thru numerous reports in several forums on similar subjects, but I'm still not clear & getting more confused.
I look forward to your guidance & feedback with reference to my queries & my current set of equipment which I have mentioned above.

[novisnick]

We most definitely need a budget to advise you properly.
Love your idea !

[socketman]

I am using a Project TubeBox seII connected to a Music Hall MMF 7.1/ortofon cartridge into a Pioneer SA 7800 using the tape-in since you need to bypass the built in phono preamp. I am very happy with it and it sounds great, nice and quiet ie no hum what so ever.

[mshump]

Your integrated doesn't have pre- ins or pre-outs for an external preamp or external amp. there are a few ways to go depending on your budget.

for under 1k you could look for a tube phono preamp and use your aux inputs like you suggested in your post

For 2-3k you could go with a seperate preamp and amplifier, you make them both tubes or just one of them tubes.

I personally have a Cary tube preamp and a parasound SS amp and IMO the sound is great, especially when I play vinyl.



Mark

[audiobill]

I recommend an Emo XPS-1 into a tube pre/integrated/power amp, your choice.

For real tube benefits, the tubes should be connected to speakers.

[drtrey3]

I use a Bellari Rolls phono pre amp and enjoy it a lot. It adds just a bit of tube goodness. Agree with Audiobill that pushing the speakers with tubes gives a LOT of tubey goodness.

Trey

[hector2018]

Regarding budget, I'm looking at a modest budget of around $ 400 to $ 500 for the up gradation.

[hector2018]

Guyz, thanks a lot for your suggestion.

I've heard very good reviews about Pro-ject Tube Box DS & Parks Audio Budgie Tube Phono Preamp
If we compare, both Pro-ject Tube Box DS vs Parks Audio Budgie Tube Phono Preamp, then which one will be better sonically according to people who have listened to both products?

[novisnick]

Apr 5, 2018 11:58:51 GMT -5 hector2018 said:

Regarding budget, I'm looking at a modest budget of around $ 400 to $ 500 for the up gradation.

Thats for the phono pre only Im assuming?

[jlafrenz]

I've got a Pro-Ject Tube Box I would part with. PM me if you're interested.

[sounder]

There is a little misinformation here, and so I am trying to help.

- Your integrated amp certainly does have inputs. You can connect a tube preamp to the AUX input, as you suggested / asked.
- You don't need to change all of your gear to "dip your toes" into tube land. With your modest budget, I would go with a tube phono preamp, and connect it through your existing system. Your Marantz is a nice piece... don't just discard it for all of these changes.
- If you get a tube phono preamp, and like what you hear, at a future point down the road, you can consider moving to a tube integrated amp. I have a Primaluna HP integrated, and I like it a lot. I had a Primaluna Dialogue One for four years, and moved up in the line two years ago. Before that I had an Emotive separates setup with a tube phono preamp, and the move was easy. One step at a time.
- I have auditioned the TubeBox DS, and thought it was very good. You can get a used one in your price range, or pay a little more and get a new one. It's very quiet, and very dynamic. I didn't keep it, only because I raised my budget, but I liked it and would have probably kept it otherwise.
- A friend has the Budgie, and he's very happy with it. Unfortunately, you can't buy it any longer, and Parks isn't making it any more. You may be able to find one used somewhere.
- An alternative is the JD9 from Jolida, which is very good too. You can get a used on in your budget. There are other good options as well for a tube phono preamp that won't break the budget.

Connect as you say. TT --> Phono Preamp --> AUX input (or any other line level input, like CD) on the Marantz. It will work fine for your and give you a taste of tubes without too much risk.

[audiophill]

I have the same turntable and for 400 new the addition of the project tube box s was a great addition for a tube phono pre amp.

[mikes]

I've also been looking to change up my phono setup to include tubes. I'm going to give the Vintage 6SL7 Phono Stage by Tavish Design a try

tavishdesign.com/products/vintage-6sl7-phono-stage

I've ordered the blank circuit board and will be building it over the next few months. I am also planning on switching out the capacitors in the signal path. Should be a fun little project.

[geeqner]

If you want to do some inexpensive experimentation for 2-Channel Vinyl - you could also scour your local CL and look for a used NAD 7000 Series Receiver or Integrated Amp.
Granted, these ARE NOT tube - but I can tell you from experience that the Phono Pre Section in these is pretty danged good (some say "Legendary"  )
and they have a bit of a "warm" sound without being over-the-top. THIS option should be below your budget and would be a good first-step
If you buy something decent but used - you should also be able to re-coup nearly ALL of whatever you shove-into it should you decide to upgrade further in the future

If I wanted to get the best of both worlds (Hybrid Tube / SS) and NEW - I would probably be looking at one of the less costly units from Rogue Audio

On a related note - If you REALLY want to improve the tonal balance / foundation of your sound, adding a decent (amplified?) Sub-woofer will also probably make a large difference, both for 2-Channel music and Movies (it made a really big improvement on my system with bookshelf-size primary speakers).

[leonski]

Before proceeding with a tube power amp section, I'd make certain the speakers were 'tube friendly'.
It's not just power or impedance, but rather the reactance as well. If speaker swings a huge phase angle, than it may not be best 'partner' for tube amplification.

GEE opens an interesting line with asking about adding a sub. Done right, it can help in many audible ways. Room setup is key as well as the various crossovers.
Ask more about that should the OP decide this might be 'on the table'. A speaker like the MS Mezzo-2 could certainly benefit from the addition of the octave +
beneath lower limits.